Dr. Gribbins formal training is in vertebrate reproduction and herpetology. He holds a B.S. from Butler University (Indianapolis, IN), and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Cincinnati. His research interests focus on the histology and ultrastructure of the male reproductive system in reptiles. Currently, he is studying the germ cell development strategies in temperate vs. tropical species of reptiles, the ultrastructure of the germinal epithelium, ultrastructure of spermiogenesis and the mature spermatozoon, and junctional complexes between Sertoli cells and developing germ cells. This reptilian histological model may be useful in future studies on how aquatic toxicants, such as heavy metals and pesticides, affect spermatogenesis within an amniotic testis. Furthermore, the ultrastructure of spermiogenesis and the spermatozoa provide large character matrices that may be useful nontraditional data that can be utilized in phylogenetic analyses of the clades with Reptilia. Such phylogenetic and histopathological models are Dr. Gribbins long-term research goals. Dr. Gribbins studies have recently taken him and his students to many semitropical to tropical localities, such as Jamaica, South America, Mexico (students to the Yucatan), and Louisiana. Dr. Gribbins has many collaborators in the countries of Latin America. His other favorite pastimes are scuba diving, arrow poison frog husbandry, and playing basketball.

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Collaboration Focusing on Comparative Anatomy of the Reptilian Gonad

Recent Publications:

Rheubert JL, Poldemann EH, Eckstut ME, Collier MH, Sever DM, Gribbins KM. In Press. Temporal germ cell development strategy during mixed spermatogenesis within the Mediterranean Gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus (Reptilia: Gekkonidae). Copeia.

Siegel DS, Aldridge RD, Clark CS, Poldemann EH, Gribbins KM. In Press. Stress and reproduction in the Brown Treesnake (Boiga irregularis) with notes on theultrastructure of the sexual segment of the kidney in squamates. Canadian Journal of Zoology.

Gribbins KM, Rheubert JL, Anzalone M, Siegel DS, Sever DM. In Press.  The ultrastructure of spermiogenesis in the Western Cottonmouth, Agkistrodon piscivorus. Journal of Morphology.

Siegel D, Sever DM, Rheubert JL, Gribbins KM. In Press.  Reproductive Biology ofAgkistrodon piscivorus. Herpetology Monographs.

Yoder JA, Bosley JW, Chambers, MJ, Hart CE, Collier MH, and Gribbins KM.  In Press. Reduced cuticular permeability promotes inland habitat expansion and freshwater survival in the fiddler crab Uca minax but not in its less terrestrial counterparts U. pugilator and U. pugnax. Crustaceana.  

Gribbins KM, Rheubert JL, Poldemann EH, Collier MH, Wilson B, Wolf K. 2009. Continuous spermatogenesis and the germ cell development strategy within the testis of  the Jamaican Gray Anole, Anolis lineatopus.  Theriogenology. 72(4):484-492.

Rheubert JL, McHugh HH, Collier MH, Sever DM, Gribbins KM. 2009. Temporal germ cell development strategy during spermatogenesis within the testis of the ground skink, Scincella laterale (Sauria: Scincidae). Theriogenology. 72(1):54-61.

Yoder JA, Benoit JB, Bundy MR, Hedges BZ, Gribbins KM. 2009. Functional morphology of the secretion by large wax glands (Sensilla Sagittiformia) involved in tick defense. Psyche Journal of Entomology.  Volume 2009. p1-9.

Gribbins K, Rheubert J, Collier M, Siegel D, Sever D. 2008. Histological analysis of spermatogenesis and the germ cell development strategy within the testis of the male Western Cottonmouth Snake, Agkistrodon piscivorous. Annals of Anatomy.190 (5): 461-476.

Carey D, Gribbins K, Butch L, Rheubert J, Hobbs III H. 2008. A progress report of the reproductive cycle of the cave-dwelling crickets, Hadenoecus cumberlandicusandCeuthophilus stygius (Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae), in northeastern Kentucky. Pholeos. 26 (1,2):6-10.

Courses:

• Biology 250, Herpetology/Tropical Herpetology
• Biology 324, Animal Physiology
• Biology 338, Vertebrate Zoology